Protecting Horses from Flies
Answered by: Conrad Richter
Question from: Joann Lefevre
Posted on: September 28, 1998

Do you have a herbal flyspray recipe for horses?

The best source of information on how to use herbs on animals is Julette de Bairacli Levy’s "The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable" (available from Richters). Here is what she says about protecting horses against flies:

"To protect against flies, first always let the horse keep its full and natural length of mane and tail, with which it swishes away flies. Then treat areas where flies gather by applying a light rub of waste motor oil. Add a few drops of oil of eucalyptus per pint for extra good effect. Avoid the eyes."

She goes on to say that rubbing strong wine vinegar morning and night into the hooves helps repel flies and mosquitoes, and she recommends hanging up bunches of elecampane, sage, rosemary and chamomile.

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